by Summers, MJ
“I’d say it’s been far too long since you’ve had a ‘bit much’. You might want to give it a try while you’re here.” Harper raised her eyebrows and grinned at her friend.
They reached the door and knocked. It was opened immediately by Eddie, a short young man in tight black jeans and a fitted, black deep V-neck T-shirt. “Harper! This place is perfect! Anita is thrilled beyond with the two-storey windows.” His eyes darted to Megan. “Who is this lovely lady?”
“Megan, my best friend. Megan, this is Eddie. He’s the best photo editor I’ve ever worked with.”
“Hi, Eddie. Nice to meet you. I hope it’s okay that I’m tagging along.”
Harper answered for him. “Of course it is. I already told you that, silly!” She turned to Eddie. “Meg’s an up-and-coming photographer and I brought her to watch so she can get some tips. Anita already knows, so it won’t be an issue.”
Eddie looked impressed. “Oh, maybe I’ll be working for you someday!”
Megan shook her head. “She’s exaggerating. I do weddings and family portraits.”
Eddie smiled. “That’s important too, you know. Okay Harper, let’s get this going.”
Harper turned to Megan. “Do you want to make yourself comfortable somewhere while we get set up?”
“I’m going to sit over there. Let me know if you need anything.” Megan wandered over to a couch near the window. She sat, watching the organized chaos. The team was a flurry of movement as the lights were unpacked and assembled, the camera equipment was prepared and a team of stylists, hairdressers and makeup artists worked furiously on the models, who sat in directors’ chairs, looking bored. Caterers set up a craft table with various trays of food, coffee, water and other drinks. Harper had her eye trained on every aspect of what was happening in the room. Megan sat in awe of her friend, who had gone from a hungover mess to an organized, calm leader within seconds of entering the building.
Pulling out her camera, Megan started adjusting the settings to take a few shots of a candle on the table in front of her for practice. The light was very good; Harper clearly knew what she was doing bringing them here.
Two hours later, the photo session was still in progress. Megan was shocked at how long and hard they had to work to get the right look. Harper continued to call out directions as the shots were set up and made final adjustments to accessories and clothing, with only the briefest pause to take a breath. No detail escaped her keen eye. The only sign of the effects of the night before was when Eddie put on some loud dance music and Harper requested something slower and softer.
Megan stood quietly at the back, watching Anita, hoping to learn what she could from one of the fashion world’s most prominent photographers. Finally it seemed as though the entire crew breathed a collective sigh of relief, having reached some milestone in the shoot that Megan was completely unaware of. They all seemed to relax, including Anita, who had appeared quite tense at the beginning. She turned to Megan and called to her in a British accent, “Harper’s friend! Come here!”
Megan walked forward. “Yes?”
“I understand you want to learn some tricks of the trade. Come. I’ll show you everything you need to know to do what I do. It’s really quite easy.”
Megan laughed. “I think you’re being very modest! You’re amazing to watch. You move so quickly.”
“Years of experience. We’re always racing against the sun in this job. Let me see your camera. . . .”
* * *
After an hour of working with Anita, Megan’s head was swirling with everything she was learning. Luc walked quietly through the front door and stood, silently taking in the sight of his nightclub, which now looked like a studio. Immediately, Harper saw him and was about to address him. He put a finger to his lips with a wink and continued to observe Megan. She looked gorgeous in a pair of dark boot-cut jeans, black heels and a fitted, long-sleeved black shirt. Her hair was down and she had tucked one side behind her ear as she worked. She looked very much like a professional as she moved with Anita. She was eager in her attempts to learn and she laughed easily when she made mistakes. Luc loved hearing the sound of her laugh; it was so full and genuine. He wanted to make that happy sound escape her mouth. The day before, he had sensed a sadness in her. As Luc watched Megan, he decided to send her home smiling.
Megan suddenly had a feeling that someone was watching her. She turned to see Luc standing at the back of the room, leaning casually against a pillar, smiling at her. She felt her face heat up as the memory of his kiss flooded her brain. He looked incredible as he ran a hand through his hair. He was dressed casually in jeans, a slim-fitting grey sweater and a fitted black leather jacket with a mandarin collar. Poking out from under the jacket was a silk scarf in grey and burgundy tones.
“Don’t let me interrupt,” he said.
Anita looked at him and snapped a set of photos of him as he gazed at Megan. “I take it that’s your man?” she said quietly from behind the camera.
“No, no. He owns this club. He’s a friend of Harper’s. I barely know him.”
Anita held the camera out to Megan and displayed one of the shots she had taken of him. “Well, that is the look of a man who would like to know you much better.” She grinned as Megan blushed again.
Anita turned back to Harper. “Okay, Harper, I think we’ve got what we need. Should we clear out so this kind man here can have his nightclub back?”
All eyes were on Harper as she made her decision. One quick nod of her head had the entire crew whipping into action again. Luc sauntered over to Megan as she busied herself putting her camera and lenses into her bag.
She gave him a brief smile, trying to look nonchalant. “Hi, Luc.”
“Bonjour, Megan,” he answered, taking her by the elbow with one hand and kissing her on both cheeks. There was that smell again, and the way he said her name made her toes curl up. She felt completely flustered around him now that she was sober. Megan wished Harper had done her makeup again; she was suddenly feeling very plain with only her own amateur attempt at making herself up that morning.
“How is your day going?” she asked, looking back down at her camera bag so she could avoid eye contact with him. She felt he could see right through her, and she couldn’t stand that he probably knew exactly what she wanted to do to him with that silk scarf of his. An image flashed through her brain, making her squirm.
“It’s better now that I’m here. Did you learn a lot? You looked like you were having fun.”
“Oh yes, Anita is a wonderful teacher. Surprisingly patient and full of amazing ideas. She could turn anyone into a pro if they had enough time with her.”
“What a great opportunity for you, then,” Luc said. He paused for a moment, then asked, “What are you doing now?”
“Um, I don’t know, actually. I’m sure Harper has something in mind,” Megan answered, picking up her bag and putting it over
her arm.
“I’m sure she does. What do you want to do? You have such a short time in Paris,” Luc replied, leaning over to her and taking her bag from her. He slung it over his shoulder as though it, and she, belonged to him.
Megan wasn’t sure what to say. Should she just let him claim her like that? It seemed so forward to her. He was nothing like the men she knew back home. She found herself wishing Harper would come out already.
“I haven’t really thought about what I want to do, actually. I’m just happy to be here and go along with Harper.”
“Well, is she going to take you to see the sights while you’re here? The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower?”
Just then Harper made her way across the room to them.
Megan smiled at her friend. “Harper, you were amazing! Seriously, I don’t know how you do that for so many hours. You manage to just stay on the whole time. I’m a little bit in awe of you, especially because you must not be feeling well.”
Harper grinned at Megan. “It’s not that hard, really. I would never complain about doing w
hat I love for a living when there are millions of people out of work right now.”
Luc spoke up. “That is a most admirable perspective. Are you two hungry? I know a great place near here to grab a late lunch.”
“Starving! Thank you, Luc,” Harper answered quickly before Megan had a chance to turn him down.
Nervous knots twisted inside Megan’s stomach. She didn’t want to go for lunch with Luc. She was completely in over her head, and she just wanted to put a safe distance between them.
“I’m a bit of a mess for going out,” Megan interjected. “I hardly even had time to put makeup on before we left.”
“You look wonderful, Megan. Believe me. You will still be the most beautiful woman in the restaurant, even without makeup.” The look on Luc’s face was so sincere, it was hard not to believe him.
“Oh please,” Megan replied sarcastically. “I won’t even be the most beautiful woman at our table.”
Luc looked from Harper to Megan as though considering her comment. “I think Harper will agree with me that you have a very rare and elegant beauty.”
Harper grinned. “That I would.”
* * *
A few minutes later, the three were seated at a round table in a small bistro, looking over menus. Harper was pleased to see that her strategy was working.
“So, Harper, what are your plans for Megan while she’s here?”
“I don’t know, really. I have a meeting tomorrow morning at Style, but otherwise I thought she might like to see the sights and eat delicious cuisine and drink really good wine.”
Megan smiled at her. “That sounds terrific. Let’s do that.”
The waiter brought their soup and the trio began to eat. After a few minutes, Harper looked down at her phone, pretending to have received an urgent text.
“Oh Megan, I’m so sorry. I’ve been called back to the office. I’m going to have to leave right now. I’m afraid our afternoon is ruined!”
Megan saw right through her friend’s obvious lie. “Well, maybe you can drop me off at a museum or a department store near your office? I’m sure I’ll find lots to do on my own while you’re busy.”
Harper smiled sweetly. “Oh no, Megan, it won’t work. From the sounds of this text, I’m probably going to be tied up for the rest of the day. I’m so sorry. You stay and finish your lunch. We can’t both run out on Luc.”
Luc smiled at Harper, knowing full well what she was up to. “Yes, I would be horribly offended if you just left me here alone to finish eating. I propose that you have lunch with me and I’ll take you to see whatever your heart desires.”
Megan looked from Luc to Harper, fully irritated by their satisfied smiles.
“Perfect!” Harper exclaimed. She leaned down to kiss Megan’s cheek. “Don’t be mad; this is for your own good,” she whispered in her ear. She discreetly dropped a condom into Meg’s open purse and gave her a little wink.
Megan grabbed Harper’s arm and pulled her in close. “I hate you, you bitch,” she whispered back, then gave her a big, fake smile as she released her.
Harper said her goodbyes and rushed out, leaving Megan alone with Luc again. She looked down at her soup, suddenly feeling too nervous to eat.
“We have clearly been set up,” Luc said with an amused grin as he tore off a piece of his bun and popped it in his mouth.
“Looks that way,” Megan answered. “Listen, you don’t need to play tourist with me, Luc. I’m sure you have many other things you would rather do.”
“Why are you sure of that? I thought I was clear last night that I wanted to get to know you.”
“Yes, and I was clear that there isn’t any point, remember?”
“Not everything has to lead somewhere, Megan. Not even to bed. In France, we take the time to pursue pleasure. It would bring me pleasure to show you around my city, so that is what I intend to spend the rest of the day doing.”
Megan bit her bottom lip, not sure what to say. She looked out the window, seeing that the rain had stopped and the sky was clear again. Nothing about this was a good idea. Megan didn’t know if she could control herself around him. She had never met a man who had this effect on her before. Everything about him—from his sexy hair to his hard body to his accent—stirred up feelings she hadn’t had in years.
Luc signalled for the bill as he spoke. “Megan, I’m not going to leave you alone in a bistro in the middle of Paris. Come with me. I promise, I will make sure you enjoy yourself.” That’s the problem, she thought. I’m going to enjoy this too much.
Megan smiled reluctantly at him. “Thank you, Luc. That is very kind of you.”
“Excellent. I need to make one phone call and then we can be on our way. Please excuse me for a moment.”
Luc got up and walked outside to place his call. Megan used the time to run to the ladies’ room. She stared at herself in the mirror while she washed her hands. She realized she looked fine—not overdone but good enough. She put on some rose-coloured lip gloss and ran a comb through her hair. When she walked back over to their table to get her coat, Luc was standing there already. He helped her into the new cream-coloured peplum jacket. Megan fastened the buttons and picked up her purse. Luc already had her camera bag slung over his shoulder.
“Ready?” He smiled warmly.
Taking a deep breath, Megan smiled. “I am. Where to?”
“I thought I would take you over to the Louvre first. We can wander around there for a while.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
* * *
For the next three hours, Luc and Megan explored the Louvre, lingering at Megan’s favourite exhibits. As they strolled along the expansive halls, Megan was surprised to find that Luc had a considerable knowledge of the museum as well as of art in general. He had many interesting stories about the various artists exhibited.
“How do you know so much about art, Luc?” Megan tilted her head so she could look at him as they walked side by side.
“My mother was a guide here for English-speaking tourists. She used to bring me along sometimes,” Luc answered.
“Did you enjoy it?”
“Sometimes, if there was a pretty girl with the group.” He laughed.
Megan grinned and rolled her eyes. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Turning to him, she wore a thoughtful expression. “Was your mom American?”
“Yes, actually, she was. She grew up in Vermont, of all places. She came over to Paris to study art as a young woman and spent the rest of her life here.”
“Really? So you’re half American, then.”
“Yes, I am, but only the good half,” he responded with a little wink.
Megan smiled at him. “Were you close to your mom?”
“I was. She passed away a long time ago now. Cancer.” He had a matter-of-fact tone but there was a hint of sadness under it.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my dad a few years ago to a heart attack. I don’t think you ever stop needing your parents.”
“We have to though, don’t we?”
“Yes, I suppose. My mom is a big part of my life. She’s with my son while I’m here. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“It’s nice that you have a good mother. Especially since you’re on your own with your son.”
“Yes, I’m very lucky,” Megan agreed. “Is your dad still alive?”
“Maybe. It doesn’t matter to me either way.” Luc shrugged dismissively and looked down at the floor. There was something in his tone that told Megan not to ask anything more.
Luc checked his watch and then turned to Megan. “It’s almost five thirty; they’ll start closing the exhibits soon. I have two more places I want to take you if you’d like to come with me. How are your feet?”
“They’re fine, actually. These boots are surprisingly comfortable. How about your feet?” Megan smiled at him.
“My feet are fine too. Let’s go. I have the perfect place to watch the sunset.”
* * *
; They made it to the Eiffel Tower surprisingly quickly. Luc parked and then hurried around to open Megan’s door for her. He held out his hand gallantly to help her out of the car. “Mademoiselle, bienvenue à la Tour Eiffel.”
Megan grinned at him. “Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Chevalier,” she replied with a formal nod.
As they walked toward the tower, they observed a young couple clearly having a fight. The girl turned her back on the boy, folded her arms across her chest, then turned her head in his direction to display a world-class pout. The young man pleaded with her to forgive him.
Luc leaned into Megan’s ear. “He must have told her what to do.”
Megan let out a loud laugh, looking up him. “No, no. Nothing that serious. He probably just cheated on her.”
They tried to stifle their laughter as they passed by the pair. Strolling to the tower, Luc took Megan’s hand in his as though it were the most natural thing to do. The feeling of his strong hand covering hers somehow spread warmth through Megan’s entire body. She knew she should pull her hand away, but she just couldn’t. It was the most innocent form of connection and yet it awoke a deep sense of desire in her, a feeling that had long since been forgotten.
“Are you disappointed we didn’t see more of the museum?” he asked, looking over at her.
“Not even a bit. I’m just grateful I got to see it at all. And I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable tour guide. Thank you, Luc.” She smiled up at him.
“Thank you for letting me bring you. I’m having a wonderful time. I enjoy watching your expression when you see something you like. You are like a girl on Christmas morning.”
“Oh, no need to thank me. Honestly, I haven’t minded letting you show me around nearly as much as you might think,” Megan teased.
“What a relief. All afternoon, I’ve been trying very hard to think of a way to make this up to you.”
The pair laughed at his joke, their bodies moving closer to each other, shoulders touching now. Megan tilted her head back to look all the way up at the tower. She stood staring for a moment before speaking in a quiet voice. “I feel so small all of a sudden. I’m always baffled by man’s ability to create something of this magnitude.”
